CPS to increase 2015-2016 budget by $5.6 million

COLUMBIA - Columbia Public Schools announced it plans to increase the 2015-2016 operating budget by about $5.6 million.

CPS Chief Financial and Operations Officer Linda Quinley presented the new budget to the Board of Education Monday night.

Quinley said the major part of the increase comes from about $1.5 million to open Battle Elementary and just under $2 million for salary increases.

Crews began construction on Battle Elementary in October 2013, and Quinley said it is expected to open later this year with 450 students. Quinley said $1.1 million of the $1.5 million budget would go toward staffing the new school.

Quinley said just under $2 million would go toward allowing increases for employees based on their experience. The average employee pay increase would be about $784.

Funds for the budget are expected to come from revenues generated from the local economy and state funding, as well as the district's reserve balances.